The Ultimate Maui Food Trucks Guide: What & Where to Eat

Maui food trucks are some of the best dining options on the island. They’re perfect if you’re heading back from a busy morning hiking the Waihe’e Ridge Trail or hitting the beach at Keawakapu. 

As someone who’s lived in Maui for the last six years, I can tell you that food trucks on Maui will serve up some of the best food you’ll have during your entire trip. 

My mouth is watering as I think about the panang curry at Thai Mee Up or the umami burger at Havens. 

Not all food trucks are created equal, so read on to get the ultimate Maui food truck guide and know exactly which ones to prioritize!  

Why Are Maui Food Trucks Popular?

Diverse flavors, affordable meals, and convenient locations make Maui food trucks popular for locals and visitors. 

They make the ideal pit stop between adventures or before the beach. Plus, if you’re traveling as a group, food truck parks make it easy to please everyone. 

Food trucks are affordable spots for “ono” (delicious) meals. Portions are large— I usually make two meals out of one when I go. 

If you’re a food truck connoisseur, you’ll find plenty to love on the Valley Isle. 

Maui Food Trucks: Pros and Cons

You might wonder why you should go to a food truck instead of a brick-and-mortar restaurant. This decision has pros and cons, so let’s get into it. 

Maui food trucks are located all over the island. No matter what you’re up to, chances are there’s a food truck park nearby. 

You don’t have to drive far out of your way; hop over to a nearby cluster and peruse the delicious options. Many food truck parks have cute, shaded seating areas and plenty of parking. 

I love taking my meal and heading over to the closest beach. Especially at sunset— it’s a lovely way to end the day. 

It’s nice to go to the trucks in the evening and air-conditioned restaurants in the middle of the day. It can be hot! 

👉🏽 Maui food truck prices

The prices for a meal at a food truck range between $12-20 a plate, depending on where you go.

What makes food trucks such a good deal is the portion sizes. They serve up generous portions, often with sides. 

👉🏽 Do Maui food trucks only accept cash?

Most of the food trucks on Maui take credit cards, cash, or even Venmo! It’s often super easy and convenient to pay however you want to. 

That’s not always the case, though— some of my favorite food trucks are cash-only. 

If you come across one of these, having some cash on hand is a good idea. It would be a shame to miss out on fantastic food!

👉🏽 Are Maui food trucks safe?

Food trucks undergo food safety inspections just like brick-and-mortar restaurants do.

You’ll see a placard indicating their status in the window of each food truck on the island. 

A green “Pass” placard or a yellow “Conditional” placard allows trucks to continue operating. If the truck doesn’t pass, you’ll see a red “closed” placard on the window. 

You can even lookup a truck’s inspection record online for extra peace of mind.  

The Best Maui Food Truck Parks To Visit

I’ve mentioned the Maui Food truck parks a few times already. You might be wondering which ones are the best ones to visit! 

I’ve compiled a list below for different areas on the island with some of the best groupings of food trucks. 

There are 5 main clusters, which I’ll talk about below. You’ll see more as you drive around the island. 

📍 Maui Food Trucks Map 

🚚 Maui Food Trucks Near Costco

The most popular food trucks on the island are located right across the street from Costco. Many of these trucks have won awards— and you can bet that the whole cluster is held to a higher standard. 

Officially named Plate Lunch Marketplace, you can fill up with gas at Costco and then go across the street for a delicious meal. 

This is home to Thai Me Up and Havens (two of my favorites). Both trucks have won awards, as recently as in 2022 and 2023. 

🌯 Kahului Food Truck Park

An up-and-coming spot, the Kahului Food Truck Park is (quite literally) next to the Plate Lunch Marketplace. Located next to Marriot Courtyard and Costco, this is a cute spot. 

Check out the picnic tables with string lights, portapotties, and many food trucks to try. 

Many popular spots on the island have opened second trucks here, so you know they’re worth a try. Kraken Coffee, Tsunami Burger, and Da Nani Pirate all have secondary locations here. (The curly fries at Da Nani Pirate are some of the best on the island). 

🌯 Lahaina Food Truck Park

Due to the devastating Maui Wildfires in August 2023, the food truck scene in Lahaina is constantly shifting.

 A wide variety of high-quality, delicious food trucks call Lahaina home. As the situation on that side of the island continues to improve, I’m sure new and old food truck pods will return. 

In the meantime, please show the community compassion and respect as so much was lost. 

🌯 Kihei Food Truck Park

The Kihei food truck park is located right behind the Azeka Shopping Center. This is home to the original Da Nani Pirates, Tsunami Burger, and Kraken Coffee. 

You’ll also find a bunch of other trucks. There’s everything from fresh vegan food to fantastic sushi and poke. 

Plenty of parking, covered picnic tables, and portapotties make this a nicely established spot to stop. 

🌯 Hana Food Truck Park

After driving the famous road to Hana, reward yourself with a delicious meal. The best Food Truck park in Hana is home to Da Fish Shack, Troy’s Plate Lunch, and I Lava Tacos. 

Troy’s Plate Lunch is fantastic. If it’s open, that’s 100% my top choice. Prepare to have the best local Hawaiian Cuisine of your life!

It’s good to know that most of the food trucks in Hana are only open for the morning/lunch crowd.

The 16 Best Maui Food Trucks To Try

Okay, now you know where to find the food trucks, but the real question is, which ones do you try? 

I’ve cultivated a list of the 16 best Maui Food Trucks. This is where you should go to have some of the best food on the island. 

1. Kinaole Grill Food Truck

This tropical-themed food truck is colorful and has vibrant, delicious food with bright flavors. 

This plate-lunch-style food truck is located across from Kamaole Beach Park I and is the perfect post-ocean swim! 

Look no further for a local-style meal. Try pulled pork sliders, coconut shrimp, crispy calamari, or any of their other dishes.

2. Geste Shrimp Truck

This cash-only food truck serves up combo plates and platters. 

It’s considered one of the best spots to get shrimp on the island and has been serving up delicious meals since 2007. 

Not sure what to get? The plate lunches are a great deal— get 12 pieces of shrimp and 2 scoops of rice and crab Mac salad. I love the Hawaiian Scampi and the spicy pineapple shrimp!

3. Thai Mee Up

With two locations— one in Kahului and one in Kihei, Thai Mee Up is hands down one of the best Thai places on the island. 

You’ve got the perfect trifecta- fast service, fantastic food, and an amiable team.

This food truck has consistently won awards for its delicious food, and you will not be disappointed if you eat here. 

Pro Tip: Convince your friends or family to come with you and split a few entrees between the group. 

4. Maui Fresh Streatery

Chef Kyle Kawakami runs this food truck with fresh farm-to-table street food. The truck focuses on using seasonal ingredients with different regional or ethnic themes.

You’ll need to follow @MauiFreshStreatery on Social media to see when and where he’s serving food.

Need more reasons to support this business? Since the wildfires in 2023, Chef Kawakami has used donations to create weekly ingredient boxes for households of displaced Maui residents. 

5. Oao Sushi Go

Oao Sushi Go is located at the Azeka food trucks in Kihei. Pronounced “Wow,” this found truck is a fantastic spot to curb your sushi craving. 

Using only fresh, local fish, this will be some of the best sushi you’ll ever try on Maui. 

While it might feel strange to eat sushi prepared at a food truck, it’s guaranteed to be safe and fresh.

6. Havens Kahului Food Truck

The menu at Haven’s might be straightforward, but the taste is out of this world. 

There’s a brick-and-mortar location near Shell in Kihei, but the food truck next to Costco serves the same delicious flavors.

Here, you’ll find fabulous temaki and smash burgers. These are truly some of my favorite burgers on the island. Any day I get to eat at Havens is a good day. 

7. Nui’s Garden Kitchen Thai

I have yet to go to Nun’s Garden Kitchen Thai, but this food truck is popular. All of my friends rave about the delicious food. 

Located in Kula in Upcountry Maui, this family-owned truck serves food using ingredients from their 40-acre farm. Plus, the view of Haleakala from this location is stunning. 

A few benches are nearby so you can sit and enjoy your food in the crisp upcountry air.

8. Kitoko Maui

A meal at Kitoko Maui is an experience. This food truck has been compared to Michelin-star restaurants. 

Here you’ll find creative food. Enjoy delicious, fresh bentos sandwiches and more. 

What truly sets Kitoko apart is the plating techniques— which is a funny thing to say about takeout dishes.

This meal is full of bold flavors and impressive combinations. Fine dining experiences without the price? Yes, please!

9. South Maui Fish Company Food Truck

South Maui Fish Company is committed to serving only freshly caught fish. Their sea-to-table model means that they sell out daily. 

The fish is never frozen or deep fried, and it’s all caught by local fishermen. The fish tacos are divine. 

10. Wing Kings Maui

Wing Kings is the place to go for all things chicken. The buffalo and spicy Pele wings are delicious and pack a punch. Make sure to pair it with their amazing fries. Truly a winner!

This food truck is located inside the South Maui Gardens food truck park. 

This is a newer food truck park with a fun ambiance– occasionally, there’s even live music. 

11. Shaka Tacos

While Shaka Tacos is no longer operating as a regular food truck, they’re still selling the best birria tacos at the Sunday Market in Kahului. 

They also cater events, so if you’re on Maui for a wedding or other special occasion, they serve mouthwateringly good Mexican street tacos and fusion-inspired dishes.

Otherwise, find them at 65 W Kaahumanu Ave on Sundays at 5:00 pm.

12. 808 Plates Maui

This is one of those food trucks you’ll find yourself returning to repeatedly. Each plate is perfectly balanced with rice, salad, and protein. The protein options are fantastic.

The Ribeye/Garlic Ahi Katsu and Garlic Shrimp are crowd-pleasers and my top recommendations.

This food truck is on its own and is located in the Lowe’s parking lot in Kahului. 

13. Horhitos Mobile Taqueria

Located in Kihei across the street from Kalama Beach Park, Horhitos serves delicious Mexican food. Find tacos, wraps, quesadillas and more. 

It’s got a cute, rustic patio where you can enjoy your food. Of course, you can always head across the street and watch people surf at The Cove while you munch your food.

The menu has a wide variety of food and is one of the cheapest meals on the island. $3.50 for a taco? Sign me up!

14. Aloha Braised

Located in the back of Island Grocery Depot in Lahaina, the made-to-order food is to die for. 

They might be a newer food truck on the island, but their dishes are making an impression.  Try the furikake mahi mahi or mochiko chicken for some wonderful local “grinds” (food). 

The food is made to order, but you won’t have to wait long. Aloha Braised is known for its fast and friendly service. 

15. Like Poke?

If you’re looking for one of the best spots to try out fresh Poke, look no further than Like Poke?

This truck is located in the food truck park across from Costco gas and serves only fresh catches and local produce. 

It’s some of the best Poke on islands, and the location is incredibly convenient.  

16. Earth Aloha Eats

Not just for people with a plant-based lifestyle, Earth Aloha Eats serves up vegan and gluten-free options that are just plain old delicious. 

Try out their Phish and chips! This vegan version of the classic British dish is a tasty post-beach meal. 

They’ve won awards for the crispy golden “fillets,” fantastic French fries, and tasty sauce. 

Maui Food Trucks Etiquette

Maui food trucks are casual dining options! No shoes, shirt, or service does not apply here, so feel free to come over right after swimming in the ocean. 

You should know some simple etiquette to avoid ruffling feathers while getting your next favorite meal. 

A no-brainer: make sure not to cut in line while waiting to order. A common courtesy, you’ll find most food trucks are quick and efficient. You won’t need to wait long!

While tipping at food trucks isn’t required, it is still appreciated. If the food is impressive or the service is top-notch, please feel free to leave a tip. 

Finally, if you have a good experience, please let others know. Writing a review or telling friends about your meal will go a long way to helping these small local businesses to thrive. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Wrapping Up: Maui Food Trucks

Maui food trucks are some of the best ways to satisfy your stomach and soul. Enjoy mouthwatering food at affordable prices all over the island. 

An important part of the culture on-island, your trip won’t be complete without a visit to at least one of the food trucks on this list.